Real Madrid faces Benfica in the final matchday of the Champions League league phase, aiming for a win to secure direct qualification to the last 16. The Whites, currently third in the standings, will play at the Estadio da Luz on January 28, 2026, at 9 p.m. CET. A victory guarantees progression, while a draw or loss leaves their fate dependent on other results.
Real Madrid concludes the first round of the Champions League with a crucial encounter against Benfica at the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, known as Da Luz, the site of their tenth European Cup triumph. The match, scheduled for 9 p.m. CET on January 28, 2026, represents the eighth and final matchday of the league phase, played simultaneously across the competition.
The Madridistas enter the game in third place and need a win to ensure a direct berth in the knockout rounds. Should they draw or lose, qualification would hinge on outcomes elsewhere, potentially forcing a two-legged play-off. Assistant coach Arbeloa emphasized the challenge ahead during the pre-match press conference: “This match is extremely difficult.”
Leading the attack is Kylian Mbappé, the competition's top scorer with 11 goals in six appearances. Defender Carreras echoed the team's determination, stating from the Estadio da Luz press room: "We're here for the three points and to play our football."
Benfica, coached by José Mourinho, sit 29th in the standings with six points. They require a victory combined with favorable results to reach the play-offs for the last 16. Domestically, they hold third place in the Portuguese league, having recently defeated Estrela Amadora.
This fixture underscores the high stakes of the revamped Champions League format, where positioning determines the path to advancement. Real Madrid's squad travels to Lisbon focused on delivering a strong performance to control their destiny.
